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“Ready?” I ask, chewing my bottom lip as my stomach churns with nerves that have nothing to do with having dinner with my parents. Flashbacks of the last time we did something similar to this hit me, of Melody ruining everything that day. Although I know it won’t happen again—she would never get past the gates—it still brings back bad memories. Sensing where my mind has drifted, he reaches out, tugging my lip from my teeth. He leans in and brushes his lips against mine. I sigh in contentment, relaxing a little.
“I was ready months ago, piccola.”
“I just want this to go well. After last time when we told my father about us...” I trail off. I don’t need to say it. How could Theo ever forget that day?
He smiles. “Piccola, it will be perfect.”
I nod, hoping he’s right, before hopping out the car. Greg steps up to me, concern crossing his features. I know he’s worried about me, but he doesn’t need to be. “I’ll wait in the guest house until you’re finished. I need to go over a couple of things with the other guards,” he informs me.
“Oh, okay. If you’re sure. You know you’re welcome to join us,” I tell him, because he is. Greg is like family.
He smiles. “I’m sure. Let me know when you’re ready to head back.”
“Of course,” I say before he spins and makes his way towards the large guest house that sits on the edge of the grounds.
Taking a breath, I move towards the house. Theo follows me and we make our way up the Tuscan stone steps. The door flies open before we reach the top and my mother appears.
“Bambina, I am so happy you’re here.” I step into her waiting arms, hugging her tightly. “Everything will be okay, sweetheart. Your father may not like it, but he is willing to support you. He loves you and just wants you to be happy,” she whispers in my ear.
I nod, pulling out of her embrace.
“Mama, you remember Theo?” It’s a stupid question to ask. It must be the nerves getting the best of me.
She chuckles softly. “Of course, how could I forget. Nice to see you again, Theo.”
He steps up to her, kissing both her cheeks. “Likewise, Elena.”
My mouth drops open when she blushes. My mama blushes. Does she think Theo is attractive too? It would be hard to be immune to his charm and looks. The man is a god.
“Come. Dinner is almost ready.” She spins and saunters into the house, only to stop once inside and swivel back to face me. “Oh, and Bambina. Please have a talk with your sister. I’m not sure what’s wrong with her but there is definitely something, despite her saying otherwise.”
I frown. I know exactly what it is. A certain tall, dark, handsome, and mysterious bodyguard of hers. “I will, mama.” My mother smiles in appreciation before making her way through the house and I assume to the kitchen. The smell of garlic and herbs hits my nostrils, making my stomach growl in hunger.
“The house is beautiful,” I murmur to my mama’s back.
She grins over her shoulder. “I know. I’m in love.” She lets out an exaggerated sigh, making me chuckle. I glance at Theo beside me; he is a picture of calm. I briefly wonder if he’s nervous for this dinner. As if he can sense me staring, he grabs my hand and squeezes gently. It’s a comforting gesture and I do it back to let him know I’m here for him too.
“Where is everyone?” I ask as we step inside the big, open plan kitchen.
“On the terrace. The views are amazing. Head on out, dinner won’t be long. Oh, and your nonna and nonno have pushed back their visit. They aren’t here yet.”
“How come?” I ask with a frown. As far as I knew, they arrived this morning.”
Mama shrugs. “They were let down by the person looking after the dogs. They’re still coming but it will be a couple days later than planned.”
I relax. My mind went to the worst, thinking one of them was sick. “That’s good. I can’t wait to see them.” I glance at Theo. “Do you want a drink?”
“Beer, if you have it,” he rasps.
“Do we have beer, mama?”
She stops stirring whatever deliciousness is on the stove and looks at me. “Yeah, in the fridge. There’s also wine.”
I move to the fridge, grab a beer for Theo and a water for myself, and then we head outside. My stomach flips with nerves. I know my father is aware of my relationship with Theo, but it still doesn’t stop the worry inside. I know he would rather me be with someone more age appropriate and who also comes with less drama.
Hearing chatter, we round the corner to find my sister and papa in conversation. They stop when they hear us approach. My father smiles at me and I relax further when I see it’s a real smile. He turns his gaze on Theo, his smile remains but it’s now tight. This is hard for him. I get it. At least he’s willing to try for my sake.
Glancing at my sister, I find her trying to smother a grin. I roll my eyes as she jumps out of her seat and rushes towards me. Throwing her arms around me, she laughs in my ear.
